planning ⏱ 12 min read

Pattaya 3 Day Itinerary: The Ultimate 72-Hour Guide (2025)

The best Pattaya 3 day itinerary with specific places, restaurants, and activities for every type of traveller. Day-by-day guide with timings, prices, and insider tips.

Pattaya 3 Day Itinerary: How to Spend 72 Hours in Thailand’s Beach City

Three days in Pattaya is the sweet spot. It’s enough time to properly explore — the beaches, the temples, the night markets, the day trips — without the city wearing you down. It’s short enough that you won’t exhaust what it has to offer.

This itinerary works for first-timers and return visitors. We’ve built it to be realistic: actual distances, actual timings, places we’d send our own friends. There’s no filler.

What type of traveller is this for? We’ve included options for families, couples, solo travellers, and nightlife-focused visitors within the same framework. Look for the notes throughout.

Before You Go: Where to Stay

Getting your accommodation right determines how the whole trip flows. Here’s our shortlist by traveller type:

For couples and romance:

For families:

  • Cholchan Resort Pattaya on Wong Amat Beach — lagoon pool with water slides, cleaner northern beach, family-focused service.
  • Pattaya Park Beach Resort in Jomtien — the famous 55-floor tower with water park, revolving restaurant, direct beach.

For budget travellers:

For luxury:

Practical tip: If you’re spending serious time at the beach, stay near it. Central Pattaya hotels trade access for everything else. Pratumnak Hill is the sweet spot for quality-to-value, with quiet beach access and Pattaya’s best restaurant concentration.

Day 1: Arrive, Orient, Explore Central Pattaya

Morning: Pattaya Beach and Coffee

Start early. Pattaya Beach Road before 9am is genuinely pleasant — the beach vendors haven’t arrived, the parasails aren’t flying yet, and the light on the Gulf is beautiful. Walk the full length of the bay from North to South — about 4km — or pick a stretch and sit.

For breakfast, head to Nang Nual Restaurant (Beach Road, South Pattaya). It’s been here since 1974 and the open-air seafood breakfast is one of the city’s great value rituals. Or if coffee is your priority, House of Chefs (Soi 7, Beach Road) does proper espresso and good Western breakfasts for those who need them.

What you’ll see: Pattaya Beach itself. Manage expectations — it’s not Koh Samui. The water is murky and the beach is busy. But it’s also vibrant, authentic, and the energy of the promenade in the morning is genuinely Thai. The longtail boats bobbing, the local vendors setting up, the joggers and monks — it’s the city in its natural state.

Late Morning: Sanctuary of Truth (for the architecture)

Get there before midday to avoid peak heat. The Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua is one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary structures — a 105-metre-tall all-wood temple complex being built entirely without nails, by traditional craftsmen who still carry on the construction today. It will never be finished by design.

  • Cost: ฿500 adults, ฿250 children (2025)
  • Time: Allow 90 minutes minimum
  • Getting there: Grab from your hotel (₿200-300 to Naklua), or baht bus to North Pattaya then moto taxi

The building is genuinely jaw-dropping close up. Every surface is carved — Hindu and Buddhist mythology, celestial figures, animals — in extraordinary detail. No photography restrictions. The beaches immediately north (Naklua) are among the cleaner options if you want a quick swim afterward.

Afternoon: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden or Big Buddha

Option A: Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (families, garden lovers, culture)

25km south of central Pattaya, Nong Nooch is a 600-acre botanical garden and cultural complex that takes a full afternoon to explore properly. The topiary gardens are internationally famous, the traditional Thai village shows run every two hours, and there’s an elephant encounter (ethical — no riding). Budget ฿500-700 entrance including shows.

Option B: Big Buddha Hill and Temple (quicker, free, views)

The Big Buddha on Khao Phra Tamnak takes 20 minutes by songthaew from Pratumnak. The gilded Buddha visible from most of Pattaya is the centrepiece, but the 360-degree views from the hilltop — bay to the north, Jomtien to the south — are the real draw. Temple etiquette applies (dress modestly, shoes off). Free admission.

Late Afternoon: Pool Time and Sunset

Beat the 3-5pm heat in your hotel pool. This is Pattaya — embrace the rhythm. Most hotels, even budget ones, have decent pool areas. If yours doesn’t, the Hilton Pattaya’s Sky Bar Pool on the 16th floor offers day passes for non-guests (call ahead).

For sunset, position yourself on the beach or find an elevated spot. The Waterfront Suites & Residences rooftop bar welcomes non-guests for sunset drinks if you want somewhere with a view.

Evening: Thepprasit Night Market

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Thepprasit Night Market (Thepprasit Road, Jomtien) is Pattaya at its authentic best. The market is primarily for local Thais, not tourists — prices reflect this. Roasted corn, coconut ice cream, fresh oysters grilled on the spot, Thai-style BBQ skewers, Isaan food stalls, clothing, phone accessories.

It’s a 15-20 minute songthaew ride from Central Pattaya (฿20-30), or a ฿150-200 baht taxi. Budget ฿200-400 for food and snacks.

If it’s not a weekend: The Pattaya Night Bazaar (behind Beach Road, Central Pattaya) is open nightly with similar local market energy. The food section around the back is worth finding.

Night: Walking Street (if that’s your thing)

Walking Street — Pattaya’s famous 800-metre strip of bars, clubs, live music venues, restaurants, and everything in between — runs along the southern waterfront near Bali Hai Pier. It’s simultaneously overrated (for those expecting to discover something undiscovered) and extraordinary (for what it actually is).

First-timers should walk it at least once. The lights, the noise, the variety, the crowd — it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Go with open eyes and no specific plan.

For those not into nightlife: South of Walking Street, Pattaya Floating Market (if open; check hours) is a quieter evening activity. Or simply find a restaurant on Pratumnak Hill — Sugar Hut Resort has an excellent restaurant with traditional Thai performance, and Mantra Restaurant is consistently rated among Pattaya’s best.

Day 2: Koh Larn Island Day Trip

This is the best day in Pattaya. Do not skip it.

Morning: Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn (Coral Island) is 7km off the Pattaya coast — 30 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Pier. The island has six beaches; the main one (Tawaen Beach) gets busy, but walk 20 minutes north to Nual Beach or Samae Beach and you’ll find clear green water, coral, and far fewer people.

  • Ferry: ฿50 each way from Bali Hai Pier (first ferry 7am, last return ~6pm)
  • Speedboat charter: ฿1,500-2,000 for the whole boat (better for groups, flexible timing)
  • What to bring: Sunscreen, cash (limited ATMs), snorkel (or rent on island for ฿50)

The water at Koh Larn is a different proposition from Pattaya Beach — clear, warm, and coral visible from the surface in places. Snorkelling at Nual Beach in particular is genuinely excellent for this part of Thailand.

Lunch on the island: The restaurants along Tawaen Beach are good value. Fresh grilled fish, steamed clams, som tam, cold Chang — sit under a palm and take your time. Budget ฿250-400/person including drinks.

Afternoon: Return to Pattaya and Recharge

Get the 2pm or 3pm ferry back to beat the rush. You’ll be warm, relaxed, and possibly slightly sunburned. Back to the hotel for a shower and the pool.

Families note: If you have children who like water parks, this afternoon could be a visit to Cartoon Network Amazone water park in North Pattaya (฿1,200-1,500 adults, ฿900-1,200 children). Book online for a discount.

Evening: Pratumnak Hill Dining

Pratumnak Hill between Pattaya and Jomtien has the city’s best restaurant concentration outside of the tourist strip. Some specific recommendations:

Ruen Thai Restaurant (Pratumnak Soi 5): The benchmark for traditional Thai cuisine in Pattaya. Open-air pavilion, excellent service, everything from green curry to whole steamed fish. Budget ฿300-500/person.

Mum Aroi (Naklua, if heading north): Famous Thai seafood restaurant perched on stilts over the water. The crab curry is among the best in Thailand. Reservations recommended on weekends. Budget ฿400-600/person.

La Baguette (Pratumnak): French-Thai bakery-café with excellent croissants, pastries, and proper wine list. Good for a relaxed dinner without the full Thai restaurant experience.

Surf & Turf (North Road): The consistently rated steakhouse in Pattaya. Australian beef, proper sides, good wine. If you’re craving Western food after days of pad thai, this delivers.

Day 3: Culture, Floating Market, and Departure

Morning: Wat Khao Phra Bat and Khao Chi Chan

Start early at Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain), 15km south of Pattaya on the way to Jomtien. A massive laser-carved image of Buddha adorns a sheer cliff face — 109 metres tall — surrounded by gardens and reflecting pools. The effect at sunrise is extraordinary. Free to enter. Takes about 45 minutes.

Nearby, Wat Khao Phra Bat has a hilltop cave temple complex with panoramic views over the Chonburi countryside. The path up is steep but manageable (20 minutes). Traditional Thai monks still maintain the temple, and the spiritual atmosphere is a world away from Pattaya’s beach buzz. Dress respectfully.

Late Morning: Pattaya Floating Market

The Four Regions Floating Market on Sukhumvit Road (about 4km from central Pattaya) recreates the famous floating markets of Bangkok but in a more accessible format. It’s touristy, yes — but genuinely enjoyable. Vendors in traditional boats sell Thai street food from four regions, and the setting on the canal is photogenic.

Go for the food rather than the shopping: boat noodles (฿40-60), mango sticky rice (฿60), grilled satay, fresh fruit. Allow 2 hours.

Admission: ฿200 (includes ฿200 voucher for use at the market — essentially free).

Afternoon: Final Beach and Departure Prep

Depending on your departure time, either head to Jomtien Beach (calmer, cleaner than central Pattaya, excellent for a final morning swim), or use the afternoon for any last shopping.

Shopping in Pattaya:

  • Central Festival Pattaya Beach — the main mall, all international brands
  • Terminal 21 Pattaya — the best mall, themed like international airports, excellent food court on the top floor (all authentic, all priced at ฿30-80)
  • Walking Street souvenir stalls — elephant pants, fridge magnets, the usual Thai tourist items

Terminal 21’s food court specifically: this is where to go for genuinely excellent Thai food at local prices in an air-conditioned setting. Noodle soups, pad thai, som tam, green curry — all ฿40-80. One of the best-kept secrets for budget eating.

Evening: Departure

Most visitors returning to Bangkok take:

  • Bell Travel bus from opposite Central Festival to Suvarnabhumi Airport (฿143, every hour, 1.5-2 hours)
  • Private taxi if you have heavy luggage or a group (฿1,500-2,000 fixed price)
  • Our full getting-to-Pattaya guide covers all options in detail

The Essentials: Getting Around

Songthaew (Baht Bus): Blue pickup trucks running fixed routes for ฿10-20. Flag one heading your way, hop in the back, tap the bell when you want to stop. Essential and cheap. Not ideal for specific destinations — better for routes (Beach Road, Jomtien Road).

Baht taxi/grab: App-based Grab works well in Pattaya (฿60-200 for most journeys). Or negotiate fixed-price motorbike taxis for short hops.

Renting a motorbike: ฿200-300/day, requires an international licence. Useful but chaotic in peak tourist season.

Pattaya in 3 Days: Cost Summary

CategoryBudgetMidrangeSplurge
Accommodation (per night)$25-40$60-130$150-400+
Food (per day)$10-15$25-45$60-120+
Activities$20-30$40-80$100-200+
Transport$5-10$15-25$30-50
Daily total$60-95$140-280$340-770

The budget-reality check: Pattaya can be done cheap. Street food, songthaews, and budget guesthouses make $60-80/day comfortable. But mid-range is where the city shines — a few quality meals, a good hotel with a pool, and you’ll have one of the best-value trips in Southeast Asia.

What to Skip

The aquarium: Mediocre by international standards. Skip unless you have young children.

Golf (unless you play): Several courses, all expensive. Non-golfers won’t miss it.

The tiger zoo and some elephant camps: Research carefully before booking any animal attraction. The ethical options are limited — we recommend the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (about 90 minutes from Pattaya) if elephants are on your list.

Overpriced beach clubs on Koh Larn: Some operators charge €50+ for beach sunbeds. Walk 10 minutes from the pier and find the same beach free.

Practical Tips

Best time to go: November to February (dry season, lower humidity, cooler evenings). March-May is very hot. June-October is wetter but quiet and cheaper.

Currency: Thai Baht. ATMs everywhere (฿220-250/$1 roughly). Carry some cash — small restaurants and markets don’t take cards.

Sim card: Get one at the airport or any 7-Eleven. AIS and DTAC both offer tourist packages with generous data for ฿200-300.

Safety: Pattaya is generally safe, but use common sense in Walking Street, don’t leave drinks unattended, and negotiate taxis before you get in (or use Grab).

Ready to Book?

Browse our full Pattaya hotel listings to find the right base for your itinerary, filtered by area, budget, and facilities. If you’re still working out transport from Bangkok, our Bangkok to Pattaya guide covers every option in detail.

🏨 Ready to Book Your Pattaya Hotel?

Browse 50+ reviewed hotels in every area and price bracket.

Browse All Hotels → Search Booking.com →